The Simple Addition To Season Chicken Burgers And Keep Them Juicy

When it comes to chicken burgers, there's nothing worse than dry and lackluster patties that leave you longing for moisture. But fear not, as there is a delightfully-simple solution to this age-old problem: the magical panade. By incorporating a panade into your chicken burgers, you can transform them into moist and flavorful delights that will have you coming back for seconds.

A panade is a mixture of fresh breadcrumbs and a liquid that is added to ground meat to improve its moisture and texture. When the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid, they create a gel-like paste that works wonders in retaining moisture during the cooking process. By adding a panade to your chicken burger mixture, you create a barrier that locks in the natural juices, resulting in a succulent and tender patty.

To make a basic panade for your chicken burgers, begin by soaking breadcrumbs in milk. Allow the breadcrumbs to immerse and soften for a few minutes before incorporating them into the ground chicken. You're looking for a thick paste that isn't overly wet but doesn't crumble apart either. 

While the basic panade is a wonderful way to keep your chicken burgers moist, why not take it a step further and add an extra layer of richness and flavor? By experimenting with substitutions for milk in your panade, you can create chicken burgers that tantalize your taste buds with exciting profiles.

If you're looking to add a touch of tanginess and depth, consider using mayonnaise in your panade. Mayonnaise not only contributes moisture but also enhances the richness of the chicken. For those seeking a lighter or dairy-free alternative, chicken or vegetable stock pack in plenty of flavor. Just make sure you use a low-sodium variety so that you can better control the seasoning in your ground meat mixture.

When it comes to the bread for your panade, traditionally a fresh breadcrumb is what is used — but this is another area where you might want to add more flavor. For instance, a zippy sourdough or piquant rye bread could bring dimension to your chicken burgers. And, if you're lacking fresh bread, you can swap in a ¼ cup of panko and 3 tablespoons of liquid for every ½ cup of bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of liquid needed in the recipe, according to America's Test Kitchen.